There’s a huge weekend of wrestling ahead of us with one of WWE’s biggest (and longest) shows of the year serving as the climax. Survivor Series is the big show on Sunday, but one day prior is the real treat of the wrestling world. NXT brings us the latest instalment in their TakeOver series, this time hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It’s been many years since Toronto has hosted a PPV, so it’s only fitting that they get an NXT event thrown in as well.
Those lucky Canadians are in for a treat because women’s wrestling legend Mickie James is coming back to challenge for Asuka’s belt. That’s quite a big name to bring in. Also, not only is every NXT title on the line but Toronto also gets to see the finals of the 2nd Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. Paul Ellering is even busting out the classic shark cage, so literally every stop is being pulled for this can’t-miss show.
Like every TakeOver special, the in-ring work is sure to be excellent from top to bottom so let’s preview the action ahead. Throughout this article, the entire card will be analysed, and the most likely winners will be selected from each match.
The Revival vs. #DIY
Scott Dawson & Dash Wilder have been putting on wrestling clinics over the past few months, showing the NXT audience what “Top Guys” can do when they cut back on the flash and simply swing those fists. Johnny Gargano & Tommaso Ciampa hope to put a stop to The Revival’s reign and just might pull it off.
The reason this match will be a must watch is because of its 2 out of 3 Falls stipulation. The likelihood that this one will be a show stealer is very high because all four competitors can go. This also could be a crowd pleasing moment because there’s no team more suited for a run with the straps than #DIY.
Gargano & Ciampa are massively over with the NXT crowd. This match in Toronto will be a chance for them to bust through to the next level because the ovation they’ll get when their hands are raised in victory will likely be incredible.
Winners: #DIY
The Authors of Pain vs. TM-61
The finals of the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic is guaranteed to get over a newer tag team since both Akam & Rezar as well Nick Miller & Shane Thorne are some of the fresher faces to NXT programming. This will be a battle between one team that is a couple of wrecking machines against a technically gifted pair that this tournament to kickstart their momentum.
One incredibly fun variable added to this match is that The Authors of Pain’s manager, Paul Ellering, will be suspended high above the ring in a shark cage. It’s not the first time the former Road Warriors manager has been in this very peculiar predicament, but it will be the first time for many current fans to witness this spectacle live.
The Authors of Pain are still undefeated in NXT and there’s no reason to end that streak in Toronto. They need to take their flawless record all the way to the Tag Team Championships. Having this tournament win simply springboards them towards that goal slightly quicker and with more credibility.
Winners: The Authors of Pain
Bobby Roode vs. Tye Dillinger
Bobby Roode and his glorious entrance music might be a hit with the NXT faithful, but Tye Dillinger isn’t a fan. The Perfect ten got burned by Roode with they tried to tag together in the Dusty Rhodes Tag Team Classic. When Dillinger was struggling against Sanity, Bobby chose to bail instead of tagging in, leaving Tye to take the loss by himself.
This is a battle between two talented wrestlers with very fun gimmicks and is a strong contender to start the show. The crowd will get very excited to do the “10” hand gestures with Dillinger as well as sing alone with Roode’s music. Plus, both wrestlers hail from Canada, so they will have the hometown favour.
This is a tough one to call because if this turns out to be an extended rivalry, then it could go either way. However, with babyface Nakamura holding the NXT Championship, then it would benefit that brand more to keep the heel here strong. Roode should win and could see himself in the title picture sooner than later.
Winner: Bobby Roode
Asuka vs. Mickie James
The recent main roster brand split saw a massive influx of NXT Women’s talent move to either RAW or SmackDown Live, leaving the Full Sail-based show without many established stars. While the newer class of girls are in the process of readying themselves, WWE reached out to a former Champion to challenge Asuka for her title.
Mickie James is 5 times WWE Women’s Champion as well as a one-time Divas Champion. She’s competed at WrestleMania and is one of the most well-known competitors of the past decade or so from her division. This is a high profile matchup for Asuka, serving as a transitional feud until an Ember Moon or Billie Kay is ready to make a proper challenge.
There’s no reason at all for Asuka to lose here. Mickie will give her a great match, but at this point, there are no reports that she’s signed on for anything permanent in WWE. We can cross our fingers that she hangs around a little longer and maybe even jumps to the red or blue brands for a sting, but she will not be defeating Asuka in Toronto.
Winner: Asuka
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Samoa Joe
It’s almost criminal that both Shinsuke Nakamura and Samoa Joe aren’t on the main roster already, but headlining NXT special events is still pretty sweet. Nakamura first defeated Joe for the NXT Championship at the second TakeOver event in Brooklyn, legitimately dislocating his jaw in the process. These guys hit hard.
The interactions between these two in the buildup to Toronto has been expectedly stiff, with Joe even putting the NXT Champion out of commission for several weeks thanks to a uranage on the steel steps. Nakamura made it back to in-ring action quickly, bringing the fight to Joe every time. He even Powerbombed a member of security at the contract signing because Joe refused to enter the ring with him.
Samoa Joe has put his time in on NXT and has become acclimated to the WWE style just fine. For the sake of moving up to the main roster quickly, he should decidedly lose to Shinsuke Nakamura to end their rivalry. The King of Strong Style can then engage in another feud before eventually dropping his belt, making him main roster ready at about the time when WrestleMania season ramps up.
Winner: Shinsuke Nakamura
Make sure to tune into NXT TakeOver: Toronto Saturday night on the WWE Network. Also, feel free to offer your predictions in the comments section below!
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